Paying for campsites in Italy.

[Tim2]

Hi All

I'm now in the processing of booking Italian campsites for our Italian Grand tour during August. I have lined-up some campsites with room and am now in the process of making a booking. However one has already said that they require a deposit of 100 Euros for a weeks's stay. I don't have a problem with that but they don't take credit cards. Evenn credit card is not very good as it would entail sending card details by normal, unsecured, email.

They suggest using either

Bank Transfer - my bank quotes a fee of £20.00

Cheque in Euros - my bank quotes a fee of £12.00

Cash sent by registered post - Fee approx £6.00 and possibly not very reliable as they could say that full amount not in letter.

Has anyone got any other suggestions as we are staying at about 6 campsites and if all demand a deposit paid in the above ways it's going to be VERY EXPERNSIVE.

Is there no cheaper/easier method available in this day and age to another country in the EEC?

Any helpful suggestions gladly received. What have others done?

Tim

 

[Tim2]

So that's a "NO" is it? Surely I'm not the only one finding this a problem?

Still VERY open to good suggestions.

Tim

 

[NorfolkMike]

we are not ignoring you, honest, it,s just an example of why the big banks want every one to avoid the euro. so they can charge megga bucks for transactions which in turn make them big profits. simple en-it.

ttfn

 

[NorfolkMike]

Just a thought. what about using old fashioned travelers cheques sent by snail mail. the cost should be reasonable.

we have just returned from Italy where we used camping cheques but they only work out of peak season so not much use to you.

ttfn

 

[Tim2]

Thanks for replying Norfolk Mike

I'm sure your summing-up of the situation is correct. It still seems incredible to me in these days of supposed European co-operation there is no cheap and easy way of paying in Euros. It's not only that the available methods are EXPENSIVE they are, also, complicated.

The site concerned, La Riva, does not take Traveller's cheques either. My wife is off to the Post office on Monday to buy some Euros and then post them off to La Riva by registered post.

While I'm online. Any tips on Italy, sites, etc as this is the first time we've visited Italy.

Thanks again

Tim

 

[NorfolkMike]

Hi Tim

Just a thought and very much off the top of my head.

If one goes often why not open a euro account, transfer in one hit all the money you antisipate that you will need, get cheque book, credit card ect and proceed.

or is that too simple.

The other idea is to ask Lutz as he seems to have cracked the problem the other way round.

ttfn

 

[Lesley4]

So that's a "NO" is it? Surely I'm not the only one finding this a problem?

Still VERY open to good suggestions.

Tim

Had same problem trying to book site in Italy, bank was very unhelpful. Eventually gave up and booked through Caravan and Camping Club Carefree. Very good prices including ferry, but limited sites to choose from, apparently because not so many campers drive that far!

Previously stayed at Norcenni Girasole south of Florence. Very big but well run site although pitches very small and stoney which is always a problem in Italy.

Going to Montescudaio nr Cecina. Hopefully OK there but interested to hear if anyone else has been there, any useful comments.